Our Mission and Tenets
Our Mission
Apply best business practices to address the nation’s most pressing security challenges
About BENS
Founded by mining executive Stanley A. Weiss, BENS is a unique nonprofit comprised of over 400 senior business and industry executives who volunteer their time and expertise to address the national security community’s most pressing challenges. Focused originally on restraining proliferation of nuclear arms and reducing defense overhead, BENS today leverages the diverse expertise of its membership to support government efforts that tackle other prominent challenges; from cybersecurity to talent management. For nearly four decades, BENS has been a trusted partner whose work has built a more effective and efficient military, saved billions in taxpayer dollars, and improved operations that protect our homeland.
OUR TENETS:
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ACTIONABLE SOLUTIONS, that utilize best business practices
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MEMBER DRIVEN AND FINANCED where members participate in their individual capacity and government funding is not accepted
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FIERCELY NONPARTISAN, avoiding partisan debate that takes positions on the size of the nation’s security budget or specific weapons systems or strategies
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BOUND TO STRICT ETHICS that prohibit members and staff from lobbying or engaging in business development activities
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A TRUSTED AND NEUTRAL PARTNER AND CONVENER, focused solely on strengthening U.S. security and the national security enterprise
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COMMITTED TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT, valuing government partners and member feedback to produce ever more effective outcomes